Sadie Lee McCraney was born on December 2, 1931, to Jessie Whitaker, III and Annie B. McDay in Coahoma, MS. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age as a member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. With joy, she would often recall the day she was baptized in Moon Lake. Sadie relocated to Memphis, TN around 1956 with her small children.

She united with the New Mt. Olive M. B. Church under the leadership of H. K. Sumerall, over 40 years ago. There, she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. Her greatest inspiration was introducing young children to the love of Jesus Christ. Pastor Derek Scullark became her pastor after the death of Rev. H. K Sumerall. Sadie continued to serve faithfully with the New Mount Olive Church until her health start failing.

She worked as a housekeeper for a fe w years, afterward she was employed by the Memphis City School system. She retired in 1995, after 30 years of service. Sadie's eyes would light up when she told stories of the students and teachers, she encountered in the hallways of Riverview Elementary and Fairley High School.

Sadie was a loving and devoted mother to nine children: John Arnold (Manita), Stella Green, Leila Nelson (Bennie), Mary Brooks (Andre), Jessie McCraney all of Memphis, TN; and Richard Burrell (Bernice) of Danville, VA. She was preceded in death by three children: Jurlean Stewart (Marvin), Mark M cCraney, and Leroy McCraney ( Sandra).

On June 30, 2019, Sadie transitioned from labor to rest at the Methodist Alliance Hospice Residence. She leaves to cherish her memory six surviving children, eight brothers & sisters, and two half-sisters - McDay Whitaker (Jean); Juanita Carter; Bessie J. Stratton; Al v a D. Harris (Henry Earl); Rev. Ann B. Patton; Donnie E. Jones; Charlean Whitehead, and Samuel Jones (Linda); half-sisters - Claudia Eloby and Paralee Jude. Also, five other siblings proceed her in death - Mary A. Digby; Richard D. Jones (Evelyn); Ida B. Jones, Norva Anderson; one deceased half-brother – Charlie Jones; and three deceased half-sisters also proceed her: Frankie Jones; Rosietta Hairston; Reola Kemp. Sadie was loved and respected by a ve ry dear friend, Icee Jean Perkins. As well as a host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren Great Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

When asked what her greatest life lessons were, Sadie would say, "Treat people right, even if they don't treat you right. I learned you can live a good life without having everything. You don't have to be rich. You can just praise God. Thank God for the things He's already done! You don't let anybody encourage you to do wrong. If you're going to do wrong, do it on your own. Get as much education as you can! Then she would say, I didn't get much education, but I made it. The Lord brought me through!"